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Pool Repairs Prompt Possible Closures

Twain Harte, CA — Public pool repairs in Tuolumne County could disrupt the summer swimming season.

Twain Harte residents may not be able to beat the heat this summer at their public pool. The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to get bids for the construction of a chemical storage facility, and the resurfacing of the pool. The work would begin this April and run through August, closing the Twain Harte Pool for the summer.

Deputy County Administrator Maureen Frank says, “There is a good likelihood, unless the contractor is able to get in and bust out the work, this pool will not be opened for the season.” The estimated cost of the project is more than $445,000 and most of the funding will come from a grant.

In addition, the Board voted unanimously to get bids for the construction of a chemical storage facility near the Columbia Elementary School Pool. The work would also run through the summer, but county officials say the pool will not need to be shutdown. District 5 Supervisor Karl Rodefer questioned whether it was even prudent to open the pool due to the drought.

County Administrator Craig Pedro explained, “In past severe drought situations, the public pools have been filled in an effort to conserve water and give people an alternative to filling their own pools.”

Pedro also stressed under the current Tuolumne Utilities District water restrictions residents cannot fill their pools, so the public facilities are needed. The estimated budget for this project is nearly $300,000 with much of the funding coming from the state.